This is the foundation for swimming skills development. Swimmers learn safe entries into various depths of water, treading water, breath control, opening eyes under water, front and back floats, lateral rollovers, front, back and side glides, flutter kick on front and back, and front crawl.

Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, learning their sideways entry, and treading water without a lifejacket. Swimmers will be challenged by the introduction of various skills including, flutter kick on their front, back, and side, vertical whip kick with an aid, and swimming front and back crawl.

Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and in front somersaults (in water).

Swimmers will move from a beginner to intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, treading water, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5m. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50m.

Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills; shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannon ball entries), eggbeater kick, and backward somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes.

As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advanced skill set. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to increase their swimming strength, power, and endurance for success in the 300m workout required to complete the level.

Rookie Patrol lays the foundation of the Swim Patrol program. It includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350m workout and 100m timed swim. Swimmers will learn about assessing conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of swimmer 6 or equivalent

Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger Patrol as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they work towards a 200m timed swim. First aid at the Ranger Patrol level includes assessment of unconscious victims, treating for shock, and procedures for obstructed airways.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Rookie Patrol

Strokes will continue to be refined through completion of 100m swims. It demands good physical conditioning as swimmers will be challenged with a 600m workout, 300m timed swim, and a 25m object carry. First aid at this level focuses on treatment of bone and joint injuries, and respiratory emergencies like asthma and allergic reactions.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Ranger Patrol